Bear with the Complexity: Perspective from Nursing Theory and Christianity through the Lens of an Oncology Nurse Practitioner
Nadine Cline, MSN, AOCNP, ACHPN, IU Health Arnett, Lafayette, IN
This paper will focus on the meaning one can experience from actively listening to people in the margins of society, providing empathy, and bearing with fellow humans. Experiences and knowledge learned as an oncology nurse practitioner will be presented along with nursing theory and evidence to inform healthcare professionals in everyday practice.
Healthcare providers and systems often attempt to simplify complex issues jumping to solutions for people in the margins of society which can miss the mark. Christian tradition will be applied to spiritual care with a focus on concepts of bearing with people rather than jumping to solutions or attempting to simplify what is complex. Enduring with others and providing encouragement can provide hope. “We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the feelings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up…that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:1-2, 4b. All people are weak at times and need the help of others including those at the margins of society. Humility to recognize weakness in oneself is also the starting point to gain strength in one’s own spirituality and to subsequently help others.
Healthcare providers and systems often attempt to simplify complex issues jumping to solutions for people in the margins of society which can miss the mark. Christian tradition will be applied to spiritual care with a focus on concepts of bearing with people rather than jumping to solutions or attempting to simplify what is complex. Enduring with others and providing encouragement can provide hope. “We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the feelings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up…that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:1-2, 4b. All people are weak at times and need the help of others including those at the margins of society. Humility to recognize weakness in oneself is also the starting point to gain strength in one’s own spirituality and to subsequently help others.